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The looks they cast at Jing Xiaoyi from time to time grew ever more "kindly" and "sweet." Jing Yi felt it and broke out in goosebumps, edging a little farther away from the four masters.

Mecha could also be considered "strategic resources," but due to Mi Star's unique national conditions, private individuals were permitted to manufacture them. Many mecha masters served as retained experts for wealthy corporations. This industry had always been pyramid-shaped: in the early stages of learning, one had to consume countless resources, with only investment and no returns, or more going in than coming out. Without sufficient financial backing, one simply could not train a mecha manufacturer.

But once these mecha manufacturers became intermediate or advanced manufacturers, they could join society's elite ranks.

And once they became masters... well, even major conglomerates had to treat them with utmost courtesy. Whatever they needed would be provided for them. Their lives were unimaginably comfortable.

As for a mecha's destructive power, it was far more terrifying than firearms on Earth. Many countries on Earth banned guns because they feared someone might commit a mass killing, putting ordinary people's lives and safety at risk. Mecha were even more so. If someone piloted a mecha and went on a killing spree in a bustling city center, the consequences would be simply unimaginable.

Mecha could be bought at major malls and auctions. Restricting them at the source was simply unrealistic, and it would also hinder the development of outer space.

Thus, the Federal Government stipulated that anyone qualified to purchase a mecha must first have no criminal record, and must pass various physical and psychological examinations, with annual reexaminations required. In addition, except for special models, combat mecha were not allowed in areas densely populated by humans for non-military personnel. For example,